BOOKMAKERS William Hill has lodged an appeal against a decision by Darlington Borough Council to refuse planning permission to convert a retail outlet at 57-58 Skinnergate to a betting shop, with the addition of a single-storey rear extension.

The firm says it would attract people to the area and agreement could be reached to find a use for the building's upper floors.

CIVILISED WORKERS: The Darlington branch of the Workers' Educational Association will run a ten-week course entitled Civilising the Workers? at Bennet House, Horsemarket, Darlington, starting on Wednesday, September 25. For further details or to book a place, call (01325) 357801.

AREA FORUM: Sedgefield Borough Council's Spennymoor area forum takes place in the village hall, High Street, Byers Green, on Monday, September 2, at 6.30pm.

COMMITTEE MEETING: A meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's housing allocations sub-committee will be held on Tuesday, September 3 at 2pm in the council offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor.

CHURCH EVENT: The Friends of St Edmunds Church in Sedgefield are hosting the Hartlepool Barbershop Singers on Saturday, September 14, at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £5 and £3 concessions are on sale at the post office, Selections, Katie's Kitchen and from committee members.

CHURCH CONCERT: St Philip and St James Church, Witton-le-Wear, will host a concert by Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band on Saturday, September 14, at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £3, include supper and are available by calling (01388) 488461.

BUS SUPPORT: Residents of a Darlington estate have agreed to support a youth outreach project. The Whinfield Residents' Association, in Darlington, is to donate £150 to the town's Blitz Bus project.

ABBA TRIBUTE: Voulez Vous, the Abba tribute band, will perform at Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday, September 14, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £11 and £13. To book, call (01325) 486555.

CHARITY SALE: There will be a table-top sale in Winston Village Hall in aid of cancer charities on October 12, between 10am and 1.30pm. Stallholders are asked to arrive at 9am. There will be a raffle, a homemade bake stall, and refreshments. Stalls cost £5 each. To book a stall call (01325) 732196.

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES: The Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington, holds Kiddies Klub every Monday, 9.30am to 11am, and Wednesday, 9.30am to noon. Soft play equipment and toys are available for under fives with parental supervision. Call (01388) 747000 for details.

FILM NIGHT: Sedgefield Community Association's Positive Youth Project will be screening Monsters Inc at Sedgefield Parish Hall on Friday, at 6.30pm.